Restoring the Central Wetlands to repair an important storm shield: An editorial

The Central Wetlands contained thousands of acres of swamp, marsh and forest before the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet was built, cutting through natural ridges and bringing in destructive saltwater. Those wetlands were a critical shield against storm surge, and local and state officials have launched a project to restore a 30,000-acre triangle of the Central Wetlands so that they can protect the New Orleans area from future storms.

Reversing the damage caused by MR-GO is critically important, and the restored wetlands will be part of multiple lines of defense against surge. Initially, 2,300 acres will be restored, using $10 million from the federal Coastal Impact Assistance Program, which is financed by offshore oil revenues. Another $30 million will be available in the next few years to expand the restoration work.

The first phase will start with a demonstration project: the soil level will be raised in two patches of the triangle so bald cypress and freshwater wetlands plants can thrive there.

Material dredged from inside the triangle will be mixed with incinerated ash and dried bio-solids from the nearby East Bank Sewage Treatment Plant. Treated water from the plant will also be pumped into the area.

That's a promising start, especially since money is already available. New Orleans and St. Bernard officials went to Washington, D.C. recently to talk to federal officials about a separate $3 billion plan to fight erosion caused by MR-GO -- a plan that includes a Mississippi River diversion near Violet to deliver more fresh water. They should continue to push for a larger solution.

It's encouraging that restoration of the Central Wetlands is beginning, but more must be done to reverse the destruction left by MR-GO.